Williams Lake is looking to have strong representation at the 2017 55+ BC Games being hosted in Vernon Sept. 12-16, said local co-ordinator Ellen Wiege.
So far, she said four floor curlers, potentially three carpet bowlers should they qualify, four crib players, seven golfers, three track and field athletes and a hockey player have registered to compete as part of the Zone 9 team.
Wiege, who has been co-ordinating the 55+ BC Games locally for the past 25 years, is encouraging more people to sign up.
“It’s a great way to stay active,” Wiege said. “You’ve got to stay active. You really do.”
Wiege and the Williams Lake Seniors Activity Centre co-ordinated a fundraising roast pork dinner in March where they raised $1,600 to help athletes travel to the Games.
They were also the recipients of a $500 donations from the Old Age Pensioners Organization.
The 55+ BC Games feature 26 different events including archery, badminton, bocce, bridge, carpet bowling, cribbage, cycling, darts, dragon boat racing, equestrian, five-pin bowling, floor curling, golf, horseshoes, ice curling, ice hockey, lawn bowling, mountain bike, pickleball, slo-pitch, soccer, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field and whist.
“Where are all the seniors?” Wiege asked. “There’s so many events. I know there are a lot of tennis players, swimmers out there, who could go.”
Wiege, who has always competed as a floor curler at the Games, noted it’s an excellent way to spend a week.
“You meet people you haven’t seen for years and make new friends,” she said. “It’s good times had by all.”
Over the years, Wiege and her floor curling team have racked up five gold medals, three silver medals and a bronze medal at the Games.
If anyone is interested in competing in any sport they can contact Wiege at 250-392-3537 or Pat Harton at 250-392-4374 by May 24.
For more on the 55+ BC Games, along with registration information, visit www.55plusbcgames.org/registration/.